Dialogue Winter 2015 How Does Your Society Celebrate Season? In This Issue Emily Newman, Communications Coordinator

How Does Your Society Celebrate Anyone who identifies as an Ethical Culturist or Ethical Humanist (as Season? 1 well as the many other terms we often use) has been asked, “what do Letter from Executive Dir. 2 you celebrate?” Are there any official Ethical Culture holidays? Perhaps Reflecting on EE Conference 3 Founder’s Day; has grown popular; World Humanist Day may Letter from AEU Board Pres. 4 count; and some strongly believe we should party for the anniversary of the Membership Workshop 5 Declaration of Human Rights, because it is “sacred text.” AEU Songbook Unveiled! 5 We certainly can claim solstices and equinoxes as our holidays because Notes from Your AEU Board 6 Ethical Societies always celebrate the seasons. Like many children growing How Would You Help Spread the up in Ethical Culture, I loved seasonal festivals because they were special Ethical Culture Movement? 7 Sundays when we all got together to do something as a community. In winter we shared gifts and notes with secret buddies, in spring we acted out Congratulations to Teens on a stories, in summer we enjoyed the outdoors, and in fall we danced and sang Wonderful YES Conference! 7 our thankfulness. From conferences throughout the years, I am fascinated FES Perspective of the YES to learn how Society celebrations compare. Conference 8 In the fall, while the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture has run the Ethical Action Feature: Wampanoag Festival honoring Native American traditions for over 20 years, Kate LaClair Takes the Helm of most Societies have been recreating the story of Stone Soup, or Stone Salad, National Ethical Action 10 for many years. Baltimore Ethical Society has children play the wanderers FES Trip to New Orleans 12 looking for food and adults provide them with the ingredients, ranging from Memorial for Dr. Radest 14 usual carrots to surprise cantaloupe. Each year they update the program so in 2014 Leader Hugh Taft-Morales talked about sustainable living and Darwin Day in Garden City 14 the Ethical Education students improvised a play about water. Northern Wall of Remembrance 15 Virginia Ethical Society extends the Stone Soup story by having the soldiers Celebrate the 100th Assembly 16 go to another village looking for fuel, and again the members must help each other. Washington Ethical Society incorporated the theme of “beauty” into their 2014 children’s play. Each Society prepares a potluck meal to share and collects donations for a local food drive.

In the winter, Societies combine fun elements of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa with pagan and humanist traditions. We embrace the family we’ve made. Then in spring and summer we cherish our time in nature. During our celebrations you will always find food, music, storytelling, community service, and laughter. Not too different from your average Sunday programming. Maybe more decorations and costumes.

Share how your Society celebrates the seasons and get your Society featured on the AEU homepage. Send submissions to [email protected].

Left photo: Leader Amanda Poppei directs Stone Soup play at Washington DC Society. 2 Winter 2015 Dialogue or Hispanic.” The overwhelming number of arrests has been for petty Letter from Executive Director things such as jay walking, having Bart Worden a joint in your pocket, riding a bike on the sidewalk or, in Eric Garner’s We Are Just Beginning to Address case, selling loose cigarettes. Injustices in Law Enforcement You may argue stops were justified because they aimed to quell gun violence in high-crime areas, but Our nation has had an intense time as police officers but rather the there are two problems with this line as long simmering anger over police systematic, pervasive and long- of reasoning: most people who are and community relations erupted standing racism that permeates our stopped are innocent of any crime into mass protests across the society and has persisted in this according to the New York State United States. The anger over police country since Colonial days—is at Attorney General report, which use of deadly force in the killing the heart of the conflicts. noted that only 3% of stops led to of Michael Brown in Ferguson, any criminal conviction or a finding Missouri garnered national attention The disparity in treatment of of guilt on a non-criminal violation. and scenes of law enforcement’s Africans and Europeans can be Guns were found in less than 0.02% response to the subsequent protests traced at least as far back as a court of stops. added fuel to the fire. By the ruling in Virginia in 1640 regarding John Punch, an African slave who This focus on small crimes comes time the grand jury returned no at the expense of dealing with indictment in the Brown case, other had run away with two European men. The Europeans were sentenced major crimes—so much time and highly publicized killings in New energy goes into stopping, arresting York City and Cleveland, Ohio to longer indentures but Punch was sentenced to a life sentence (often arresting the same people inspired mass protests by hundreds over and over again), processing, of groups across the country. of servitude. The disparities increased and persisted: Africans charging, and jailing people. One While the recent killings and non- who were brought to the colonies has to wonder what resources are indictments may have sparked the were designated “slaves” with no left to deal with the tiny percentage protests, there was plenty of tinder time limits and their offspring were of the public that is responsible for in communities of color across the deemed “chattel” (born into slavery) the most egregious crimes. In New nation ready to ignite. The killings while Europeans were designated York City, there were allegations were, after all, how people in those “indentured servants” with strict that police were under-reporting communities expect to be treated time-limits. Indentured servants more serious crimes. For example, by the police. The non-indictments were also afforded legal standing an NYPD whistleblower, Officer only reinforced what they already as complainants in court and were Adrian Schoolcraft of the 81st experienced—civilian people of provided compensation when their Precinct in Brooklyn, provided color have been arrested, charged, servitude was completed. recordings and other evidence imprisoned and branded for life about police manipulation of crime while white police officers have not If you don’t think racism is at work reports, downgrading felonies and even been charged for their actions today, consider the highly disparate discouraging victims from filing when misconduct is apparent. treatment of people of color by law complaints in an effort to keep the enforcement. For example, Matt crime statistics low. The protests reflect long-standing Taibbi, in his book, “The Divide: bitterness over inequities in our American Injustice in the Age of By focusing so much on problem whole system of operations in the Wealth Gap” writes: “In 2011… areas, police have made the numbers this country—and not just law New York City police stopped and look worse for poor neighborhoods enforcement. I believe racism— searched a record 684,724 people. compared to more affluent ones. not the racism of individuals such Out of those, 88 percent were black Continue to page 9 Winter 2015 Dialogue 3 Reflecting on Fall Ethical Education Conference Dale McGowan, National Director of Ethical Education Save These Dates For details visit www.aeu.org The Fall Conference and Family Weekend has always been an important touch point for the Religious Education program of the American Board Meetings Ethical Union. But in 2014, something was different—the name itself. Individual members of Religious Education was renamed Ethical Education (EE), and the member Societies are always conference at Stony Point November 7-9 was our first chance to come welcome to attend meetings. together under the new banner to define a new direction. Saturday, Mar. 14, 9am NYC Saturday, May 9, 9am NYC In my opening remarks, I summarized the current research on ethical development and the input I’ve heard as I’ve traveled and talked across Thu-Sun, June 25-28 the Movement this year, both of which pointed to three themes: Assembly in Stamford, CT 1. EE should be active, not passive; Future of Ethical Societies 2. EE should be integrated into the Society and the community; and (FES) Conference 2015 3. EE should be relevant to the Society, the community, and the May 22-25 Washington, DC students’ lives. “Ethics of Action: Do No Harm or Be More Good?“ Every presentation and activity during the weekend served to reinforce Connect with young adults these themes and key elements of a successful EE program. Melissa across the Sinclair of the Washington Ethical Society gave insights into starting an for a great weekend. Details EE program from scratch; Jone Johnson Lewis of the Brooklyn Society and registration material will for Ethical Culture spelled out a vision for adult ethical education; Terri be available soon. Karp of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County gave ideas for marketing our programs; Audrey Kindred of the New York Society for American Ethical Union Ethical Culture demonstrated an innovative activity called “Speed Deed;” and I presented on a developing initiative called the Ethical Diploma. Assembly 2015 June 25-28 Stamford, CT The weekend was filled with togetherness and community-building, “Creating a Sustainable from a scavenger hunt to African dance by Simba Yangala (Brooklyn), Future: Ethics and Advocacy” and from performances by the children to a moving Colloquy led by Celebrate the 100th AEU Executive Director Bart Worden. Assembly in June 2015! See article on page 16 and Participants left energized and inspired to bring their own EE programs check website for information to a new level—active, integrated, and relevant—for the coming year and on speakers, hotel, and beyond. Look forward to seeing you at Stony Point in November 2015. registration. 4 Winter 2015 Dialogue think of it as an expression of individual people and their personalities, and not as an expression of any actual religion, Letter from AEU Board President ideology, or philosophy. These people are Richard Koral only taking from their cultural heritage what they want in order to rationalize or cover up their own criminality. Does Violence Come from Religion? The Boko Haram acts like a typical gangland warlord that is striving to take over territory. The same is true of Al- I write this shortly after the murders Reformation saw far more carnage in Shabaab, which succeeded in much of of cartoonists at the Charlie Hebdo Europe than we have seen so far in the Somalia. The Syrian civil war, depicted as offices and the shoppers in the Hyper lands of the Prophet. The rift between an ancient hostility playing out between Cacher supermarket in Paris. The Boko the Catholics and the Protestants the Shia and the Sunnis actually began Haram militia marauded an entire village was punctuated by spasms of cruelty, as a protest against an unresponsive in northeastern Nigeria and people are torture, and warfare on a regular basis government after several years of arguing whether 200 people were killed from the early 16th to at least the 18th drought and economic decline. There, or 2,000. The warring factions in the centuries. Beheadings were then deemed one tribe, the Alawites, have taken over Syrian civil war have splintered into still a merciful form of execution reserved and dominates the others and they would narrower groups each of which is fighting for aristocrats. The common people were rather die fighting than cede power. Quite all the others. subjected to tortures and torments, the secular at its origins. When the Taliban in mere thought of which makes us swoon. Pakistan murdered 200 school children, The general consensus declares that their stated justification was that the there is a world war under way between Present day Europe is perhaps the Pakistani government has been murdering the Muslim world and the West. Urgent most peaceful region in the world. Of their children. newspaper reports pin these violent course, we must not forget that the worst outbursts on radical Islam. Even Bill carnage of all history took place there Many of the Europeans of Muslim Maher declared on television that he just 70 years ago but, nevertheless, the heritage who are going to the Middle does not contradict his liberal credentials Christians of that part of the world seem East to join in the battles (and they when he declares Islam to be a violent to have recently found a formula for are relatively few in number, although religion, which is at the root of this calm and generally peaceful living. This each one causes concern) tend to have eruption of violence. was not accomplished by the wholesale a history of personal problems— rejection of their holy scriptures. The difficulty getting traction in life, youthful I would like to suggest that the violence Bible is still generally held in high esteem. criminality, etc. The long portrait of of the Boko Haram, the Tuarig rebels Moreover, the Bible still supports all the Houachi brothers published in The who marauded northern Mali last year, the barbarity that it ever did including New York Times bears this out. They and even Al-Shabaab of Somalia have massacres, stoning, filicide (killing one’s are the brothers who shot up the Charlie much in common with the non-Islamic own son), slavery, the subjugation of Hebdo offices on behalf of Al Quaeda in militant gangs of, for example, Charles women, etc. However, the culture is not Yemen. They were orphaned young and Taylor, the warlord who took control of now dominated by the details of the lived in foster homes. One of them spent Liberia, and other Christian/animist/ theology that is claimed to be so central twenty months in jail and was radicalized charismatic warlords who rampaged and defining. The culture moved on and in exactly the same way that our jails in east Africa killing many people and it only takes from the holy books what is foster gangs and perpetuate the skills and displacing many others. What typify needed and relevant in its time. ideology of a criminal culture. them all is the violence itself and not the ideology that they espouse. To understand The Quran is often quoted to show its In our community we say that we value what drives them and how to engage support of violent behavior and harsh deed over creed. We have generally seen them, I believe it is better to focus more treatment of others and is blamed for that formula used in the context of on their behavior and much less on the inspiring the violence we are witnessing the good, in that doing good should be rationalizations they offer. To accept their today. But, as with the Bible, these valued more highly than purity in creed. explanation of religion as their driving quotes are often taken out of context. In a similar way we should judge evil—so force is to be drawn into a debate where Placed head to head, the Bible far people should be judged by their deeds logic has lost its relevance. outstrips the Quran in the richness, and not by their creed. Any creed can be detail, and scope of the violence and used for good or for ill, depending upon The Christian world also had its era of cruelty that is depicted. one’s predisposition, personal history, or extreme violence. No lands have been economic motives. Where that comes irrigated with blood as much as have So, my suggestion is to refocus our from is the real question. the fields of Europe. The period of the analysis of the violence we see today and Winter 2015 Dialogue 5 Membership Workshop Was a Hit Hank Gassner, Northern Virginia Ethical Society and AEU Board Member

On October 23-25, 28 participants from 11 Societies met for a Membership Growth and Development Workshop. This program marks the renewal of an earlier program of annual workshops run by the AEU Membership Committee designed to strengthen lay leadership skills in Society management. The first program of the new series concentrated on strengthening pledge campaigns, but also included a workshop on greeting visitors to your Society. We learned that the most effective method for increasing contributions to a Society (or for recruiting volunteers or keeping members engaged) is personal face-to-face visits from other Society members.

Other strategies were ranked in order of effectiveness as personal face-to-face conversations with a small group (six or less), face-to-face conversations with a larger group (7-15 people), personal phone calls or emails, and personal presentations to a larger group. While newsletter articles and form letters should be part of the program, relying on such impersonal approaches as the main strategy for soliciting contributions is much less effective than personal approaches. Written materials should include a vision of what a Society could do with increased contributions and a fair share contribution guide based on percentages of income for basic and generous contribution levels. Visits should start with short testimonial statements about the importance of the Society to the visitor and soliciting such statements from the person being visited. The program evaluation forms from people who attended the workshop were unanimously enthusiastic. The Membership Committee is continuing to develop resources to share with the whole Ethical Culture Movement.

AEU Songbook Unveiled! Emily Newman, Communications Coordinator

The wait is almost over! The AEU Songbook is in its final stages of production and will be introduced at the 100th AEU Assembly in Stamford, Connecticut. Join us for the unveiling at the Anna Garlin Spencer Award Luncheon on Friday, June 26.

The songbook, called “The Power and Joy of Community Singing,” took about ten years to complete and includes 48 songs for all occasions. It has three pages of Felix Adler quotes organized into topics: worth and dignity, bringing out the best, and our role in the world (including education).

The songbook is dedicated to the memory of Pete Seeger “who believed that singing brings social change.” Societies will receive a quantity of copies based on membership totals. Due to copyright agreements we will not have copies for individuals at this time. We greatly appreciate all those who helped complete this book with your music, donations, time, and love of music. And a special thanks to the editors, Roy J. Byrd and Joan Klips (Brooklyn). 6 Winter 2015 Dialogue Notes from Your AEU for our diverse breakout sessions. We to organizational development. schedule the bulk of the activities over Law’nence Miller, AEU Director Board a weekend and during a time when of Administration, reported that Karen Elliott, AEU Board Member more people are available to come, work continues on converting so we need to avoid times when the publications to print on demand and The American Ethical Union (AEU) AEU has planned Lay Leadership adding content to the AEU website. Board met on November 8 in Stony Summer School or other large Executive Director Bart Worden Point, NY concurrently with the AEU activities, as well as avoiding major and fellow Ethical Culture Leader annual Ethical Education Weekend. It holidays. The Assembly Committee Bob Berson (Northern Westchester was great to be in the company of the takes these and more things into Society) have been working with two many children and adults attending account—and determining the Ethical community charter schools: one of the largest Ethical Education location and date is only part of what one in Jersey City, New Jersey serving weekends in recent years—their they do. More information on the grades K-7 and another, serving presence was as energizing as the 2016 Assembly will be forthcoming grades K-5, in the Bedford-Stuyvesant artwork and nature that surrounded us once things are finalized. Planning of neighborhood of Brooklyn, New at Stony Point Center. the 2015 Assembly is continuing at an York. The schools have the goal of increasing level, and the Committee including ethics within their entire We reviewed, discussed, and approved and the NLC are putting together curriculum. Richard Koral reported the AEU’s new mission statement. activities, talks, and workshops on the unveiling of a plaque honoring Board members are aspiring to that will make our 100th Assembly Felix Adler, founder of Ethical memorize it, as it was designed to especially memorable. Culture, at his birthplace in Germany. be short enough that people could do so—while still giving sufficient Katherine LaClair of the Baltimore We discussed how to provide better information about what we do as an Ethical Society has been named support for Societies as requested organization. It states “The American chair of the AEU Ethical Action by the Presidents Council. Some Ethical Union creates, nurtures, and Committee. Kate has done great Societies outside of the New inspires ethical humanist communities work in creating a more active Ethical York area are unable to easily send to foster a world that is democratic, Action Committee for Baltimore and participants to such worthwhile compassionate, just, and sustainable.” we are glad to have her working on events as the Membership workshop the national level in an area that is and the Ethical Education weekend. Hugh Taft-Morales, Leader of such an integral part of who we are Technology provides tools that can the Baltimore Ethical Society & as a Movement. If you would like to be used to disseminate materials, the Ethical Humanist Society of be active as part of the AEU Ethical but there are sometimes limits as Philadelphia and Vice-President Action Committee, please ask your to what can be provided because of the National Leaders Council Society president to nominate you of copyrights. There are also (NLC), replaced Lisel Burns as a by contacting AEU Board President tools that can be used to provide representative from the NLC to the Richard Koral. e-learning, such as webinars. The AEU Board. Jone Johnson Lewis Union is committed to finding and (Brooklyn) is still the NLC President The AEU Membership Committee’s implementing new and better ways of and main representative, and Anne October workshop on developing providing support to its members. Klaeysen (New York) is a NLC stewardship in our communities alternate representative. received lots of praise from those The Board also spent some time attending. The Committee, chaired by brainstorming ways in which the We discussed possible locations and Laura Stark Steele (Washington DC) Union can be supportive of those dates for the 2016 Assembly. Many and Jone Johnson Lewis, is continuing Ethical individuals who do not live different factors go into the selection to develop materials to help existing near any member Societies. Various of locations and finding one place Societies as well as groups interested approaches have been tried over the that perfectly meets all of the criteria in becoming Societies. The committee years but none has been ideal. This is impossible. Costs must be kept low is also compiling materials produced discussion and research supporting it so that all who want to come should in the past to make it easier to will continue. be able to afford it. Location should find the tools they need to help in be easy to reach and ideally near a diverse areas ranging from pledge The next AEU Board meeting will be Society that is willing to serve as host. campaigns to new member retention held on Saturday March 14, 2015 in Many rooms are needed at one time New York City. Winter 2015 Dialogue 7 How Would You Help Spread the Ethical Culture Movement? Apply now for the Mossler Fellowship to put your idea into action.

The Ethical Culture Movement is made up of dedicated and passionate Societies across the US supported by the American Ethical Union (AEU). Although our successes are historic and our hearts are huge, our size is still relatively small. If you have a project idea to help us expand our outreach, apply for the Mossler Fellowship so we can help you get started. The Mossler Trust was set up by the estate of Adele S. Mossler, who died in 1984. Mossler was a member of the New York Society for Ethical Culture and Director of the Play Schools Association, which was dedicated to the recreational needs of children. The Mossler endowment provides funding (a) to create, annually, one or more Fellowships for Leaders-In-Training, preferably women, under the AEU Leader Recruiting Committee or Leader Training Committee; and (b) to create, annually, one or more Fellowships to members of minority groups and/or women for the spread of the Ethical Culture Movement nationally. Past Mossler Fellows include: • Adam Foldes – Archiving Ethical Culture documents and preparing their digitalization • Elizabeth Mulhall Collier – Researching the needs and wants of young humanists and implementing programs to improve outreach The AEU Board determines Fellowship awards based on the following criteria (in no order of priority): • A project proposal for work that would contribute to the spread of the Ethical Culture Movement nationally • Extent of volunteer efforts on behalf of an Ethical Culture Society or the AEU • Recommendation by an Ethical Culture Society member Applications and all supporting documents are due to the AEU by 5:00 PM Friday, April 3rd. Awards and amounts will be determined at the AEU Board’s May meeting. All applicants will be notified of status by May 15. Applications are available online or by contacting the American Ethical Union at [email protected].

Congratulations to Teens on a Wonderful YES Conference! Trish Cowan, YES Coordinator

We had a great Youth of Ethical Societies Conference this past November. There were 36 teens and 12 adults for our weekend of deep thinking and there was plenty of light-hearted fun, games, bonding, hikes, bonfires, skits, and laughter. We met in New York to discuss “Ethics in Science and Medicine” and tackled provocative issues like: • The body politics of medicine and science, • Illness and our approaches to it, • The limits and consequences of advanced medicine and science, and • Problems with modern science and medicine. Attendees came from Bergen, Brooklyn, Long Island, Mid Rivers (a first!), New York, St. Louis, Washington, and Westchester. Congratulations to Edith, Io, Sabrina, and Reid for planning such a full and memorable weekend. We look forward to YES 2015 in St. Louis! 8 Winter 2015 Dialogue complicated but it is a natural beauty, FES Perspective of the a great environment for reflection and YES Conference growth regardless of age. Xavier Mack, FES Liaison I was continuously impressed with to AEU Board the progressive, compassionate, and reasonable ideas that flowed out of For a person with my religious past, the minds of these young people as if it was simply luck to have stumbled common sense to them. The camp staff upon this small but increasingly vibrant leaves great room for organic leadership Ethical Humanist community. The to rise out of the YESers and leaves Youth of Ethical Societies (YES) them with room to feel safe and share conference was an amazing thing for with each other. The staff is amazing at me to experience, particularly because what they do and it is obvious that they Ethical , a thing I’ve enjoy doing it. This makes the event unknowingly searched for my whole life, even more fun and rich with optimism was still quite new to me. I grew up in and passion. an evangelical Christian household. Yes, Xavier Mack, far left, hanging we were expected to accept Christ but out with YES seniors & FES YES is definitely something that I only when we were ready. Years later members at the conference at would have enjoyed in High School. I would convert to Islam and take my Those years are very difficult for shahada (Islamic testimony of belief) in Frost Valley. everyone and it is great to have a Philadelphia. Eventually, I became an community for young humanists to agnostic but the concept of non-theistic however was much more inspiring share their experiences with each other religion was something that only existed than an ability to regurgitate text. It in a world that is in many ways hostile in my imagination before the day I took was humanism in practice and logical, to people who identify with us. It is that trip through Rittenhouse Square reasonable thinking in habit. All functions like these that we secure to the Ethical Humanist Society of movements need strong culture and when we support the AEU financially Philadelphia. what better way to gauge that than the year after year. Going forward I would minds of the young people developing love to see FES and YES do something A lot of the young people I met at under the movements influence. together. I think building relationships Frost Valley grew up in Ethical Culture. between our two branches will bear Kaitlin Wright (St. Louis) and I arrived One thing I observed was how many fruit for the whole tree, which is the at the camp on Saturday morning and of the concepts of humanism were Ethical . practiced and expressed by these young met up with the YESers and the camp people who ironically had for the most staff during lunch. We were immersed A shared event at least once a year part experienced little exposure to in the YES Conference experience for would help to eliminate some of our humanist literature and many of the the rest of our time there. The natural YES-to-FES retention issues and would concepts brought foreword by the larger beauty of the camp facility blew me help us bridge the gaps between the humanist movement. What I did see away. Nothing there is too fancy or age groups. Let’s face it, the AEU does have an aging problem and one way to combat that is to nurture the young humanist communities indigenous to our Movement. YES and FES are the hubs of that collective community. In finishing I will say that it shows that YES is something that members from many different Societies are emotionally and morally invested in and when that is easily seen others are more inclined to follow the example. I had a blast at the YES Conference this year and look forward to welcoming our new FESers this upcoming spring. Winter 2015 Dialogue 9

Support the American Ethical Union With your generous support members are able to learn, share, grow, and make a difference in our Societies and the world. Donate online, send a check to the AEU at 2 West 64th St, Ste 406, New York, NY, 10023, or call 212-873-6500 with your credit card information. All financial contributions to the AEU are tax-deductible.

Thank you to all those who gave and are continuing to contribute to our December 2014 appeal.

Continued “Letter from Executive York. Brinsley, who was living in been a proponent of police reform. Director” from page 2 Baltimore, Maryland, had decided With or without the tide of public to kill two police officers in the protest, there is much needed in If police engaged in surveillance neighborhood where he grew the way of improving police and of our middle and upper class up, Bedford-Stuyvesant. Before community relations, and we have communities they would find that leaving Baltimore, he shot and an important role to play now that there was quite a bit of crime along injured a former girlfriend, Shaneka the cameras are turned elsewhere. the lines of the crimes they are Thompson, in Owings Mills, MD. Unless we continue to raise our prosecuting: jaywalking, possession While police in Maryland were voices and organize for change of illicit drugs, traffic violations. But tracking his movements (he had we will, by our lack of action, if you don’t look, you don’t see. taken Ms. Thompson’s cell phone), contribute to and sustain the very Brinsley managed to ride a bus to actions we have been decrying. These arrests for minor infractions the Port Authority bus terminal in can be very dangerous for the parties Manhattan and make his way to The problem remains a big one. being arrested. Too often signs of Brooklyn to carry out his plan. He It’s big, it’s systemic, and it’s deeply reluctance are read as resisting arrest, later fatally shot himself when police entrenched in our culture and in thereby initiating a progressive use were closing in on him. our own hearts and minds. We can’t of force by police in the effort expect our police officers to lead the to subdue the individual. In Eric Brinsley committed a heinous act reform. They are, after all, doing what Garner’s case, the interchange that has had massive and disastrous we have asked them to do: protect between him and the police on consequences. Prior to these us from people we have considered Staten Island was captured on video shootings, mass protests, including dangerous. We have encouraged and provided a chilling account of “die ins” in which people lay silently them by saluting their suppression of the arrest. Once on the ground, on the ground, were frequent and crime but have kept a blind eye to the Mr. Garner alerted the officers that widespread. The protesters were damages of mass incarceration and he could not breathe—statements remarkably diverse ethnically and arrests of innocents. clearly audible on the video. Officer even appeared that way in media Pantaleo did not release his hold coverage. Marchers in a number of Our faith, in the American Ethical and Garner became unconscious. protests disrupted street traffic but Union, is in the capacity of people Emergency medical services were there were few incidents of violence to do the right thing and to treat called, but none of the police made and very few arrests. It seemed there each other in ways that bring out the any attempt to revive Garner in the was an awakening of community best of all in us. Now is the time to 7 minutes it took for help to arrive. spirit and determination to press live that faith and demonstrate that His death was ruled a homicide by for real change that was widespread. we care about people, and especially the Medical Examiner. That changed with the killing of care about people who are striving the Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael to make their communities whole. Police officers also face danger. On Ramos as many protests were Let us truly become the change we December 20, Ismaaiyl Brinsley canceled and news accounts turned seek in the world around us, and shot Officers Wenjian Liu and their focus to the funerals of the slain work tirelessly to realize the peaceful Rafael Ramos while they sat in officers and the reaction of police and just society we have imagined. their police car in Brooklyn, New officers to Mayor de Blasio, who has 10 Winter 2015 Dialogue More than anything, however, Kate An important part of her work as Ethical Action Feature: takes on this new role animated committee chair is to assure that by the passionate and courageous there are many “opportunities for Kate LaClair Takes sense of responsibility learned as a both personal ethical growth of the Helm of National child. Despite a world that can wear our members and for enhancing down the most idealistic activist, the ethical grounding of our public Ethical Action she remains optimistic. As a faculty systems and institutions.” Hugh Taft-Morales, Ethical member at LLSS, I was impressed Action Report Editor at the depth and earnest nature of Given the gridlock of government Kate’s commitment. In learning and the money in politics, it’s time, Kate LaClair, incoming chair of the from, and relating to, other students, Kate thinks, for ethical people AEU Ethical Action Committee, she exemplified the openness and to make a difference on their grew up in Ethical Culture. As a part respect central to Ethical Culture. own. Working cooperatively and of the Ethical Culture Society of She sees every individual as unique collaboratively, Ethical Culture Essex County when she was young, and irreplaceable, and that is evident can tap our legacy of action. As Kate learned that if the world is in how she plans to work on the Kate pointed out, “For example, it going to get better, it’s up to humans national level. was a group of Ethical Culturists to make it so. This sense of ethical that made kindergarten a reality in “Inclusion” best captures Kate’s responsibility was bolstered by other the United States, after all.” She leadership style in general, and Ethical Culture values she picked believes Ethical Culture today can particularly regarding AEU Ethical up hanging around humanists, be as powerful and proactive. Kate’s Action. Her idea of success for the including “deed before creed,” the positive attitude reminds me of a committee is that it becomes more unique worth of every one, personal dominating advertising campaign visible, accessible, and useful to the relationships, and systemic change from a few years back: “Just do it!” Movement. She is seeking fellow that empowers others. In this time Ethical Culturists committed to Kate’s new vision and energy will of renewed energy and enthusiasm deed who might join the AEU EA be supported by the AEU Office, about alternatives to traditional Committee, or simply volunteer time including through the work of religion, Kate’s roots in Ethical and constructive energy in other Emily Newman, Communications Culture should serve her well and ways. What pockets of passion are Coordinator for the AEU. She benefit all of us in the American there in Ethical Culture for making and Kate have already spoken Ethical Union! the world a better place? How about how to leverage technology Given her very busy graduate can she support new initiatives, to focus national ethical action school schedule, her role as Ethical facilitate new relationships, and energy. One idea is an interactive Action chair at the Baltimore Ethical solve common problems without national webpage that will help Society, and a healthy awareness of everyone’s participation? It is up to Ethical Culturists around the the importance of staying healthy, all of us in Ethical Culture. country connect and share ideas why did Kate take on another major and support. Kate explained that Kate’s experience at Summer School commitment? “I was asked,” she she wanted the technology to be and attending AEU Assemblies answered with a laugh! But more interactive—adding to the website “a impressed upon her the importance deeply, Kate recently spoke about new open calendar of action events, of a national network. When the inspiration and skills she found connecting the various Societies, people in Ethical Societies work in in the hills of North Carolina posting issues that different Societies isolation, they often feel insignificant this past summer. The AEU Lay work on, etc. I want people at the especially when confronting Leadership Summer School (LLSS) Societies to be able to connect with seemingly unsolvable ethical action offered Kate greater confidence and things going on at other Societies issues. Working together, however, the tools to serve as our national around the country, and hopefully we can share skills and expertise, Ethical Action chair. make engagement more cohesive.” as well as generate a sense of The more Ethical Culturists that get being a part of something bigger. involved, the better chance we have of making and impact. Winter 2015 Dialogue 11 While Kate plans to focus most organizations to build a city that of the AEU, is realized in significant, on supporting initiatives of local cares for all. What excites Kate concrete action. Be a part of this Societies, personally she is interested most about RFF is that it represents new wave of energy. If you would in “multidisciplinary issues” that the kind of direct action that can like to support Kate and the AEU affect many aspects of life. She is stimulate fundamental change. Ethical Action Committee please drawn to defending human rights, contact her directly at both overseas and on local streets. As editor of the AEU Ethical [email protected]. Climate change occupies much Action Report, I look forward to of Kate’s attention too, especially working more with Kate so that our as it becomes clear who will be national dialogue, inside and outside affected first and most brutally—the disempowered and poor. This was part of her interest in one recent project at the Baltimore Ethical Society—bringing a group of Ethical Culturists to Real Food Farm (RFF), an urban agricultural project that battles food insecurity in Baltimore. Since 2009 RFF has grown to six acres of cultivated land, some of it used year round. It provides healthy food at reasonable prices in many of Baltimore’s “food deserts,” and also educates youth and partners with community

Kate LaClair, far left (in pink), working with Baltimore Ethical Society members at Real Food Farm 12 Winter 2015 Dialogue FES Trip to New engage and empower youth through bagging, and weighing of the arugula the active and reflective practice of after it had been sorted out. Shockingly, Orleans 2014-15 sustainability thinking and food justice. all it takes to dry the arugula, as Turner Anya Overmann, Ethical The Lower Ninth Ward is a very poor taught me, was three spin cycles in Society of St. Louis neighborhood quite clearly neglected by his washing machine. I bet the people Edited from original post on Anya’s blog the city and the most directly impacted eating at the restaurants with our by Hurricane Katrina. This is the area arugula would never guess that it came Serendipity: Merriam-Webster defines right next to where the levee broke, and not only from an urban farm in the this as luck that takes the form of OSBG is mere blocks from the levee. Lower Ninth Ward, but by throwing finding valuable or pleasant things that mesh bags of it in the washing machine With the funds we raised, we donated are not looked for. This is the word that like they’re bags of laundry, then $500 to OSBG then each of us has stuck with me, having arrived home weighing them out into trash bags. This individually donated around $120 We from our Future of Ethical Societies aspect really made me appreciate the gave OSBG a total of $1,276 and we (FES) service trip to New Orleans. effort that goes into food production. gave the high school kids who worked Christian Hayden, from the Ethical with us that week a stipend of $400. In addition to harvesting arugula, we Humanist Society of Philadelphia, set But we didn’t contribute just money. also spent time harvesting and replanting up a service project with Our School pea sprouts. Then there were the odd Waking up in the morning involved at Blair Grocery (OSBG). I began jobs like tilling, digging, and watering feeding the many goats and chickens fundraising with a Gofundme account. the fields. All in all, we did some pretty (and one pig). Turner has worked out To my surprise, I raised $1,040 in just satisfying work on the farm. an agreement with the grocery store under a week (our goal was $1,000) and Whole Foods to receive the food they’re During the day when we weren’t Christian raised another $300. With the throwing away (which they would working on the farm, we moved across funds in place, we got nine people on normally have to pay $40 to get rid of), the street to Turner’s home to have board to make the trip to New Orleans. so the animals were fed large cardboard conversations. Sometimes we had Five came from Philadelphia, two from boxes full of bread that no longer met heated arguments and discussions New York, and two from St. Louis, the standards for Whole Foods’ shelves. about social issues such as sexism and and we all stayed in a small shotgun The other foods they give Turner are racism. Other times we had colloquies style home owned by Nat Turner, the examined and the stuff that’s still edible founder of OSBG. At the present time, is distributed to the people in the actual building of Blair Grocery, the neighborhood, and the food FES members are: which normally houses the farm that’s gone bad is thrown into the – 18-35 years old workers and sits on the same property compost pile. One of our tasks – Dedicated to ethical humanist values and social justice as the farm, is awaiting $100,000 in during the week was to tend to this compost pile. – Required to pay dues $20 and complete a funding to be renovated in order to fit minimum of five hours of service to FES city standards. So while we were unable Perhaps the most major task, annually to stay in this building, Turner was kind however, was the harvest of enough to give us his home for a week. FES members gain: arugula. There are a few fields We were in extremely close quarters, – A network of young adult humanists of arugula, and we were tasked – Discounts and/or scholarship opportunities and there were only two beds so most with harvesting, sorting, drying, – Voting rights in FES and AEU business of us slept on cots each night. We also bagging and weighing the plant – Eligible to be officer or steering committee shared this space with bugs, mice, and a so that it could be distributed member sweetheart of a dog named Bunny. This – AEU & IHEYO* membership (*coming to some of the higher end environment was tough to live in but soon) restaurants in New Orleans at brought us all very close. $7 per pound. At the end of the Become a member by completing the Our School at Blair Grocery, founded week, we had produced about 90 membership form and paying your annual dues on the FES webpage. Individuals may be by Nat Turner, is an urban farm in pounds of arugula. I personally took on the job of the drying, “Friends” of FES and attend events if unable the Lower Ninth Ward that seeks to to complete member requirements. Winter 2015 Dialogue 13 (dialogues without responses, just individual expressions of thought within a group about a given topic) Whole FES group where we included the high school kids working with us. Some of our colloquy in New Orleans with topics included: how where you’re from some of the teens effects who you are, how relationships from OSBG shape us, and food justice. Christian provided hip hop music and poems in between dialogue as inspiration in a developing bit he calls “Hip Hop Sanctuary.” In this context, I can really say expression inspires expression.

Some of us expressed a struggle at the about everything.” because I’m white and have not had the beginning of the week in connecting experience of being black. A question What made this even more special is with these kids and finding a common that kept arising in my mind was: How that some people had never even been ground. But by the end of the week does it feel to live in a society (and on a FES trip before, and this was FES’s we were all at a hug status with them. world) that’s constantly reminding you first trip, possibly ever, dedicated to That seemed to also reflect from our that you’re different? As a woman, I service. Two attendees jumped in at the own bonding throughout the week. In can answer that question. But as a white last minute despite having little previous such a crowded and close environment, person, I cannot. And that’s something experience with an Ethical Society. They we were forced to get close with one I must always keep in mind. took a risk and this is what happened. another. Not to say we didn’t have In many ways, we all took a big risk, and our clashes from time to time, but Having been stuck in a mind rut what happened was so serendipitously how close we all were by the end before, this trip is just what I needed. beautiful. If you had told me back in really brings me back to that word— During the trip, I figured out more of a early November that I would be going serendipitous. The other St. Louisianan direction I want to go this year, found on a service trip to New Orleans in I was traveling with, Carmen, said, “If I more connections and aspirations. And December and have a transformative were here by myself, I think I would’ve though I’ve come back to St. Louis to experience, I would have been very really hated this trip. But the group is get back on the daily grind isn’t really surprised. really what made it all worth it. The where I want to be, I now have enough inspiration to continue forth (even group made me feel so much better I personally made some realizations when I’m reluctant). over the trip simply because of the Philadelphia & FES members interactions I had while there. I I could write pages upon pages about Will Abbot, David McDevitt, and experienced severe sexual objectification this trip and how it impacted me in New Orleans, far more than I Xavier Mack with compost pile individually, as well as how I believe it normally experience at home in St. impacted the individuals around me. Louis…I guess it’s really not everyday But I truly think for everyone that it you get a few white women staying in was something serendipitous. No one the Lower Ninth Ward… expected this to be what it ended up being. And we all gained from it in our A lot of the subtle realizations I had own ways. Adventures can do that, but were race related. I consider myself service trips in particular are particularly someone very aware of her white special. I really look forward to seeing privilege, and try to maintain a constant how we can use this experience to build and present awareness. Some of the our youth organization within Ethical deep conversations I had with my black Culture and the Humanist movement. I friends reminded me that there are still think this was a game changer. things outside of my awareness simply 14 Winter 2015 Dialogue Memorial for Dr. Howard Radest Joe Chuman, Leader, Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County Almost 200 family members, friends, and colleagues gathered in the auditorium of the New York Society for Ethical Culture on November 15 to honor the life and achievements of Dr. Howard Radest. Howard died on October 11 at the age of 86 after an extraordinarily productive career in the Ethical Culture Movement and the wider world of organized humanism.

I was privileged to have worked with Howard’s widow, Rita, his two sons, Robert and Michael, and his daughter-in-law, Nora, in arranging the service. I spoke of Howard’s groundbreaking work as the founding Leader of the Ethical Culture Society of Bergen County, his directorship of the American Ethical Union, his serving for twelve years as the headmaster of the Ethical Culture Schools, his helping to found the Humanist Institute and serving as its first dean, his work as chair of the Ethical Charter School in Jersey City, his authorship of nine books, and much more.

Howard was one of the giants of organized humanism in the past half century who combined the creativity of a visionary and the dedication of an institution builder, ceaselessly committed to the humanist project. I also spoke of his love and devotion for Rita who shared 63 years in marriage and his love for his children and five grandchildren.

I was followed by Dr. Robert Tapp, who succeeded Howard as the Humanist Institute Dean, and Dr. Judith Wallach, who worked with Howard in founding the Charter School. A more personal remembrance was provided by Howard’s older son, Robert, who shared many warm anecdotes of his dad. Last to speak was the current Executive Director of the AEU, Bart Worden, whose position Howard helped to create through building financial support. Music was provided by Ted Phillips, a folk singer, whose friendship with Howard goes back to their days at the Bergen Society.

After the service, we all convened over a delightful meal with the opportunity to more informally share our memories of one of Ethical Culture’s truly great figures. All of us who love and find meaning through our association with Ethical Culture owe a debt of gratitude to Howard Radest far beyond what we know. His life will continue to inspire.

Darwin Day in Garden City, NY

We are excited to announce that the Honorable John J. Watras has proclaimed Darwin Day (on Charles Darwin’s actual birthday, February 12) a holiday in Garden City, New York. Darwin Day promotes public education and encourages the celebration of science and humanity.

The Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island invited Mayor Watras to make an official proclamation at the “Darwin Day: A Humanist Celebration!” on Sunday, February 8, 2015. The event included Dr. John Teehan of Hofstra University speaking on “A Darwinian Approach to Religion: Humanistic Implications” and honored Jon Stepanian from Long Island Food Not Bombs (which is collecting donations for a vegan food drive). Winter 2015 Dialogue 15

Wall of Remembrance Ruth Myers (Chicago) – A longtime Compiled from Societies’ newsletters and websites, and member of the Society, Ruth Myers newspaper obituraries died at the great age of 96. Dalton Baker (St Louis) – Dalton behind his children Ellen Haynes and Barbara Neumann (Bergen) – A Baker died on January 11 at age 77 Vicki O’Brien; stepchildren Stephanie member of very long standing, Barbara apparently of a fall in his home. Dalton Maurer, Stacy Luker, and Steve died December 27, at her home in was a retired aerospace engineer and Clark; 13 grandchildren; and 7 great- Paramus. She was 82 years old. Barbara’s joined the Society in 1998. Active with grandchildren. late husband, Walter, who died ten years many Society projects and on many ago, was also a devoted Ethical Culture committees, he was a regular rider Dr. Myron R. Gershberg (Brooklyn) member, as was his own father. Barbara with the Ethicyclist group and helped – Dr. Myron R. Gershberg died had a beautiful collection of art, administer the Gilpin Fund. Dalton not suddenly December 9. Dr. Gershberg much of which she crafted and often only was very active in the Hemlock retired from private practice and North displayed at juried shows of the New Society as head of training and as General Hospital in Harlem, where he Jersey Designer Craftsmen. Besides a Senior Guide, but also, when the was Head of Psychiatry; he designed family and Society members, school Hemlock Society folded and morphed and managed programs on addiction classmates and former art students into Final Exit Network, Dalton carried and child abuse, among other efforts. who attended Emerson Public Schools on the work. He graduated from Cornell University through the 1980s will remember her. and trained at the University of Buffalo, Sarah Karena Bergh Brooks (Boston) Bellevue Hospital, and the William Mary Novakovic (Chicago) – Longtime – Sarah Brooks, 98, longtime resident Alanson White Institute, and was an member, Mary Novakovic died at the of Newton, Mass., and recent resident esteemed faculty member of the NYU age of 83. of Bluffton, South Carolina, died of School of Medicine for more than heart failure October 24th in West 35 years. He was an avid birder who Carl Schlesinger (Bergen) – Carl Yarmouth, MA. She volunteered at the loved nature, reading biographies, and Schlesinger, a former typesetter at The Blue Hill Observatory library before performing Shakespeare with The New York Times who helped make moving with her husband to raise a Pawling Shakespeare Club. His sense an award-winning film about July 1, family in St. Louis. After moving to of social justice and his dedication to 1978—the last time the newspaper Newton, MA in 1961, Sarah became the mental health of others was his true was made using hot-metal type, died an active member of the Boston calling and gift. He is survived by his on November 9. He was 88. He was Society, serving as music coordinator wife, Raquel Salvande Gershberg; three featured in two other documentaries, for Sunday meetings and frequently sons: Alec, Richard, and Nicholas; and “Heart and Sole: Twenty Years of performing as a violinist and soprano grandchildren, C.C. & Milo Servon. Tap Extravaganza,” and the 2012 with her husband accompanying on documentary “Linotype: The Film.” the piano. She also accompanied others Steve Gopoian (Bergen) – Steve died Carl became an apprentice printer with on the piano, and taught music briefly January 21st at the age of 80. Steve and Fairchild Publications in 1946 and first at Wheelock College, Bristol College, his wife, Bea, joined the Society in the joined The Times in 1952. He, who was and Bridgewater State College. She late 1960s and were active members, active in education programs run by the will always be remembered for her serving in many capacities. Steve was typographical union, left the paper to cheerful friendliness, her enthusiasm President when our Leader, Dr. Joseph work elsewhere for periods, including in for adventure, and her emphasis on Chuman, was first hired in the early 1967, when he moved to Africa to help education. ‘70s. He also taught in the Sunday develop a printing training program in School for many years and served on Nairobi. By 1975, he was back at The Roy Bommer (Mid Rivers) – Longtime the Religious Education Committee. Times. Besides his daughter Laura, ESMR member Roy Bommer passed Steve and Bea were entrepreneurs who His survivors include his wife, Renée away at the age of 85 after a long started their own successful software Blankfield; three daughters, Laura, Tia, illness. Roy was a beloved friend, development company, which they ran and Jeanne; five grandchildren; and a along with his wife, Beth. He leaves for 20 years prior to their retirement. great-grandson. 16 Winter 2015 Dialogue

American Ethical Union Write for the Dialogue 2 West 64th Street, 4fl We are accepting submissions for Spring 2015! New York, NY 10023 Send submissions to [email protected] 212-873-6500 by Wednesday, March 25, 2015. [email protected] Please include a headshot and relative images with your submission. Board of Directors Richard Koral, President Scott Walton, V. President Celebrate the 100th AEU Assembly Tom Weishaar, Treasurer Let’s Together Create a Sustainable Future! Jan Broughton, Secretary Jone Johnson Lewis, NLC Pres June 25-28, Sheraton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut Hugh Taft-Morales, NLC V. Pres Anne Klaeysen, NLC Alternate Our 2015 AEU Assembly will be the 100th time our Ethical Societies join together Carol Bartell to develop the Ethical Culture Movement and get involved with social justice. Our Karen Elliott theme has a dual meaning: creating a sustainable future for our Movement and for Hank Gassner the world. The newly formed Assembly Committee, National Leaders Council, and Ken Karp AEU staff are filling the weekend with centennial celebrations, workshops on ethical Linda Napoli living, and seminars on sustainable development. (The United Nations’ Sustainable Xavier Mack, FES Rep Development Goals call for socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable Lauren Strong, FES Rep Alt economic growth.) You can also look forward to: Bart Worden, Board ex-officio • Centennial Assembly Kick-Off at the hotel and 100th Anniversary Party at the Ethical Culture Society of Westchester. • A vote on presented Resolutions. Resolution submissions are due to the Staff office by Friday, May 1st. Bart Worden, Executive Dir. • Opportunities to connect with members of the AEU Board, Committees, Law’nence Miller, Dir. of Admin. Affiliates, and other Ethical Societies. Reports from Societies, Committees, and Donna Pang, Admin. Assistant Affiliates for the delegates’ packet are due to the office by Friday, May 1st. Dale McGowan, Natl Dir. of EE • Anna Garlin Spencer Volunteer Award Luncheon that honors volunteers for Trish Cowan, YES Coordinator their dedication to their Society and the AEU. Society nominations are due Emily Newman, Comm. Coord. to the office by Friday, May 8th. Susan Rose, Dean of Leadership • National Ethical Service Luncheon will welcome a guest speaker from the Training United Nations. • Elliott-Black Award Dinner and Ceremony will reward Dr. Sandra Steingraber Thank you to Richard Reichart, for protecting our planet and informing others on how to get active as well. Dr. our Dialogue Copy Editor! Steingraber is a biologist, writer, and climate activist who writes about climate change, ecology, and the links between human health and the environment. She is the Distinguished Scholar in Residence in Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences at Ithaca College and has spent much of her off time attending environmental meetings, testifying before governmental bodies, addressing anti-fracking rallies, and being jailed for acts of civil disobedience in defense of Seneca Lake. When released from jail she said to those who came to view her release, “What Colleen and I just did is only a tiny part of the struggle. So, please don’t thank us. Tell us what YOU are going to do.”

See you all in Connecticut this June! Look for more details and registration coming soon online, by email, and in the Spring issue of the Dialogue.